Scots’ parade

found. Whether it’s us playing against, say, slightly lower ranked [top-tier] teams initially with the odd few games against the top teams. Any games are good, we just want to play. A little bit more is all we’re asking.”

After Coetzer lost a third toss in a row, Pakistan batted first again and, with conditions slowing slightly after what had been a lightning wicket on Sunday and Tuesday, they settled for 166 for six.

Shoaib Malik top-scored with 49 from 22 balls, after posting 204-4 the previous afternoon.

The Scots gave themselves a sniff by taking regular wickets to stall the Pakistani charge but, when they came out to bat in continuous light rain and fast-cooling conditions, the bowling proved too hot.

To the umpires’ credit, they allowed the game to continue despite the rain, although it did come to a premature end as Scotland managed to bat only 14.4 overs before tailender Alistair Evans edged behind to give Pakistan the victory. Before that, Richie Berrington (20) and the hero of Sunday’s win over England Calum Macleod (25) were the only Scottish batsmen able to make any contributions of note.

“For some guys it was their first experience of this kind of exposure,” added Coetzer.

“They’re getting used to it. In the past few days, I hope they’ve been embracing it.”